Christmas Markets in Paris

By David Dadoun | Published: December 5, 2019

Nothing exudes the spirit and festiveness of Christmas more than the traditional Christmas markets in Paris. Sip hot spiced wine while shopping for artisan cheeses, giant-sized ginger bread cookies, sausages, wines and other winter season specialties.  Each market has its own character, but it very much feels like being in Strasbourg, or the really charming towns of Colmar and Kayserberg, with their ginger-bread style Alsace homes. Read More »

Wild Mushrooms In Paris

By David Dadoun | Published: December 4, 2019

IMGP1835.JPGMushroom season is on the tail end, but still worthwhile to sort out special deals in restaurants (truffles, cepes, girolles) and markets.   The  marchés have mounds of fresh mushrooms for sale.  The best ones are girolles (what Americans call chantrelles) and cepes — big, meaty mushrooms the size of baseballs.  As Paris gets back to its rhythm, going to the marches may itself be an act of defiance but moreover, a necessary way to enjoy life as the French do so well — and buy a half kilo of cepes. Read More »

Winter In Paris

By David Dadoun | Published: December 2, 2019

Couple on Street in Montmartre.JPGThe City of Lights literally sparkles at night during the festive winter season, as the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Elysees and narrow streets of Paris glow with twinkling lights, Christmas ornaments and decorations through the New Year.  As with everything in Paris, style, flair and elegance permeate the city.  Parisian women wear fur coats and sleek leather boots, while men drape themselves with cashmere Burberry scarves and thick, wool Hermès coats.  Read More »

Hot in Paris

By David Dadoun | Published: July 2, 2019

wallace fountainWith Paris suffering from record heat, there are a few things one can do to temper the global warming temperatures.  First, one can get a drink of fresh water from a Wallace Fountain, found throughout the city.  Built after the Franco-Prussian war, there are 103 fountains providing fresh drinking water throughout the city.  Second, there are many ice cream and gelato shops — Berthillon is most famous but Amarino is a great spot for fresh tasting gelato.  Third, cool down on a Bateaux Mouches.  Fourth, go inside a Paris museum and get some air conditioning and see some great pieces of art.  And finally, see the city by scootering on a Lime Scooter.

Summer Sales In Paris

By David Dadoun | Published: July 1, 2019

paris summer sale 2019Paris Summer sales just started, and significant mark-downs are already occurring in stores throughout the city.  A great time to shop in some fantastic venues, including on  Rue des Francs-Bourgois in Le Marais (the 4th Arrondissement), and Rue de Passy in the 16th.  Well known brands are lined across both streets — the place where Parisians shop for fashion but at a great price.

Roland Garros 2019 — Top Places to Visit

By David Dadoun | Published: May 31, 2019

Roland Garros.jpegFrom May 26-June 9, The French Open will showcase the world’s best tennis players, with the Women’s Championship Match held on June 8 and the  Men’s Championship Match held on June 9.  What is not so well known is that nearby is the haute Village d’Auteuil, in the 16th arrondissement, which offers an array of great restaurants, bistros, brasseries and fashion shops for those in need of new clothes or shoes.  Ticket and other information may be found here. Read More »